Week 5: Good Tree vs. Bad Tree
This last Sunday, we watched episode 10, The Choice, where Jesus invites his listeners to make a decision about how they will respond to his teaching. He illustrates this choice with three images, and today we will focus on one: the two trees.
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Watch
Passage Insight: Good Tree vs. Bad Tree
Read
Matthew 7:15-20
15Watch out for illegitimate prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inside they are wolves who snatch.
16By their fruits you will recognize them. Do people gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?
17Similarly, every good tree produces good fruit, but the diseased tree produces bad fruit.
18A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a diseased tree cannot produce good fruit.
19Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Scripture Orientation
At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents his followers with a choice: will they listen to his wisdom and follow the challenging way of the Kingdom that leads to life? Or will they listen to their own wisdom and go on the easy path that leads to ruin? Jesus is clear that the path to life is not easy. It can feel confining at times, and you’re likely to face difficult trials. But in reality, it’s the way to true freedom.
To help his followers stay on the path of life, Jesus offers guidance in Matthew 7:15-20 on how to discern which leaders truly speak for God. When people claim to speak for God, is there any way to know if they’re telling the truth? Jesus says there is, and he explains with two word pictures: the first about sheep and wolves, and the second about a good tree versus a bad tree.
In both cases, Jesus invites us to look under the surface to examine what’s inside the person who’s speaking for God. How do you look deeper? Think “good tree versus bad tree.” If the “produce” of someone’s life looks and tastes like fear, arrogance, self-indulgence, or contempt for others, they’re a bad tree that shouldn’t be trusted to speak for God. People who are being transformed by God’s wisdom are like good trees, bearing fruit that looks and tastes like patience, joy, peace, self-control, and love.
Discussion Questions
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Why might it be difficult to tell if an illegitimate prophet is actually a “wolf” and not a “sheep”?
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Why is a leader’s behavior a better measure of their character than their words?
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What kind of “fruit” would you expect to see in the life of a trustworthy prophet?
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What sorts of “bad fruit” are often deemed acceptable among spiritual leaders? Why is this?
Personal Reflection
Take a moment to consider the voices in your life whom you trust (for example, spiritual teachers, writers, podcasters, television shows, etc.). What is the fruit of these leaders’ closest relationships? Or, what fruit has resulted in your life due to their influence? Ask God in prayer to give you discernment about the voices you trust.
